accounts@forbes-tate.com, Author at ftpadvocacy

Hill to Bring Unparalleled Experience as Thought Leader and Advocate to Growing Financial Services Practice

Forbes Tate Partners’ Full Suite of Government Relations and Public Affairs Tools will Provide Platform for Hill to Help Clients Capitalize on Connections Between Financial Services and Core Business Interests

Forbes: Combining Forbes Tate Partners’ Reach and Comprehensive Capabilities with Hill’s Insight Creates an Advocacy Powerhouse for Businesses Across the Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Bloomberg top performing lobbying firm Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) revealed that it is entering the next phase of its financial services policy advocacy with the addition of Ed Hill as a partner in its government relations practice. Hill’s decades of corporate and association experience will elevate the firm’s growing financial services practice and provide FTP clients with a unique ability to evaluate their needs through a financial policy lens and pursue winning issue campaign solutions.

Ed Hill is a respected and influential national authority on financial services issues. Prior to joining FTP, Hill served as Senior Vice President and Head of Government Affairs for the Bank Policy Institute (BPI) leading federal advocacy efforts on the priorities of member companies, including those across capital and liquidity, consumer banking, technology, and national security. With the full array of FTP’s campaign capabilities – including media relations, digital communications, state advocacy, and data-driven insights – at his disposal, he and FTP will be able to offer clients a variety of tailored, multi-faceted ways to shape policy outcomes and navigate the political, regulatory, legislative, and reputational landscape.

“Finance is the common thread throughout our economy, touching industries from banking to energy to emerging tech,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “Ed’s incomparable experience in the world of financial services will go hand in hand with FTP’s reach across several complex issue areas. With Ed spearheading our financial services portfolio, we will be well positioned to help businesses seize opportunities and spot challenges from every angle.”

Before taking on his role at BPI, Hill spent nearly two decades with Bank of America where he represented the bank before federal policy makers. Additionally, he established himself as a fierce financial services advocate working for associations, including the National Governors Association and the Financial Services Roundtable.

“I am thrilled to join Forbes Tate Partners and excited to help take its financial services practice to the next level. Not only does Forbes Tate Partners have a proven track record and stellar reputation, but the firm’s bipartisan approach, comprehensive campaign tools, and diverse clients will create a one-of-a-kind opportunity to make an impact wherever business and policy cross paths. I can’t wait to get started working with an incredible team on integrated campaigns that cut across the most pressing issues facing our economy.”

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

Forbes Tate Partners is a bipartisan, full-service public affairs consultancy specializing in government relations, grassroots advocacy, strategic communications, fundraising, and business development. The firm’s primary areas of specialty are the development and implementation of bipartisan lobbying and advocacy strategies related to tax, health care, natural resource management, trade, energy, telecommunications, outdoor recreation, appropriations, and agriculture. Jeff Forbes and Dan Tate, Jr. founded the firm in 2012.

Forbes Tate Partners has been highlighted as one of Bloomberg’s top performing lobbying firms and as one of PR News’ Agency Elite Top 100 agencies, recognizing the leading public relations practices in the country.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) today announced the addition of Cristina Scarpaci and Colleen Elson as senior vice presidents to its public affairs practice, which will bolster the firm’s already strong health care and public affairs advocacy expertise.

Scarpaci brings with her a wealth of corporate, nonprofit, and government communications experience with a focus on health care public affairs, corporate reputation, executive visibility, event and media engagement. Prior to joining FTP, Scarpaci led integrated campaigns at Weber Shandwick and Porter Novelli for pharmaceutical and public and community health initiatives focused on COVID-19, disease education and physician engagement for clients including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kaiser Permanente and leading pharmaceutical companies.

Elson’s extensive work experience includes issue advocacy and public affairs campaigns at the federal, state, and local level for a range of clients. Before joining FTP, Elson ran her own boutique public affairs firm, Elevation Advocacy. Elson was the Vice President of Public Affairs at Capitol Direct Messaging, LLC where she managed public affairs campaigns for clients across industry sectors, including AARP and Ford Motor Company.

“Cristina and Colleen have tremendous track records of overseeing large successful, multi-faceted campaigns that demand strong leadership, a deep understanding of policy and strategy, and knowledge of how to execute a wide array of communications tactics,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “As we head into a historic election year with widespread ramifications on the federal and state levels, we welcome these two experts to our team.”

FTP also added Jocelyn Kuh as a director of public affairs, Elizabeth Monroe as a public affairs analyst, and Ethan Hicks as visual designer. Jocelyn previously worked for Ketchum in the unbranded and branded pharmaceutical industry and is a graduate of University of Florida. Prior to joining FTP, Elizabeth served as a legislative correspondent and press assistant for Congressman Dave Joyce, R-Ohio. Elizabeth is a graduate of Denison University. Ethan has worked with several digital advertising and press agencies in the D.C. area and is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia.

About Forbes Tate Partners:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the second year in a row, Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) has been named to the PRNEWS Agency Elite Top 100, a list of the most innovative public relations and communications firms in the business. This year, FTP was specifically recognized for the firm’s acquisition of Engage, a digital advocacy agency, which has added to the company’s full suite of capabilities to deliver high-level services to clients.

“This recognition from PRNEWS confirms what I already knew, we have one of the best public affairs teams in town,” stated Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “We now have a top performing government relations firm and one of the best public affairs practices in the country under the same roof. We continue to deliver first-in-class strategies, tactical execution, and far-reaching advocacy campaigns for our clients. Going into 2024, we have a tremendous amount of momentum for continued growth.”

The full Agency Elite Top 100 list for 2024 can be found here.

About Forbes Tate Partners:

WASHINGTON D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) is proud to announce the promotion of Andrew Freedman as a public affairs partner and the addition of Colin Tooze as a senior vice president in the state government relations practice.

“Andrew’s promotion is a testament to his deep expertise in growing issue areas like cannabis and tech that have made him an invaluable resource to our clients as we continue to expand our reach,” said Founding Partner Dan Tate. “We are thrilled to have Andrew continue to bring his expertise to our clients in this new role.”

Freedman made history in 2014 when he was appointed to serve as Colorado’s first cannabis czar after the state legalized adult-use cannabis and subsequently worked directly for dozens of state governments implementing cannabis legalization. In his tenure at FTP, Freedman has successfully established and led the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR), the leading coalition advocating in support of federal regulatory reform of cannabis. Freedman has received national recognition for his leadership. Most recently, Forbes Magazine named Freedman one of the five most influential voices in cannabis policy on a list also featuring Snoop Dogg, Charles Koch, and several U.S. senators and representatives.

Tooze joins FTP’s well-established state team with 15 years of in-house corporate experience managing government relations and public affairs efforts at Expedia, Uber, and the proptech startup Pacaso. As an early leader at Uber, Tooze led teams responsible for passing favorable ridesharing laws in 10 states. He spearheaded dozens of successful state, county, and local campaigns for Uber, including high-stakes legislative and regulatory campaigns in Washington, D.C., Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, Paris, and New York City.

“We view state government affairs as an area of focus and growth for our firm and a critical part of any corporate advocacy strategy,” shared Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “That is why we brought in an insightful and effective state strategist like Colin who can help our clients understand the issues of the day in state capitols that are ultimately driving policy conversations nationwide.”

FTP has been highlighted as one of Bloomberg’s top performing lobbying firms and as one of PR News’ Agency Elite Top 100 agencies, recognizing the leading public relations practices in the country.

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

WASHINGTON D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) today announced the addition of veteran health care communicator Michelle Baker as a public affairs partner. Baker brings decades of leadership experience across the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors to oversee the continued growth and development of the firm’s award-winning public affairs department.

“We are at an unprecedented point of growth and change in the public affairs industry and at FTP. To continue to make an impact in this complex policy environment, we must bring innovative thinking and creativity to deliver for clients while maintaining the agility and personal attention to our clients that makes FTP unique,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “Michelle’s experience from the frontlines of large, traditional communications campaigns and agencies augments FTP’s advocacy and policy skillsets. With Michelle on board, we will continue to deliver sound policy strategy from the local to national level informed by full-service communications best practices and insights.”

“Michelle is a proven leader with both clients and staff,” said FTP Managing Partner Rob Mathias. “She brings remarkable experience, a sharp eye, and an extremely good nature. We are lucky to have her and are just as delighted that she is here.”

Prior to joining FTP, Baker was a chief of staff of health and executive vice president of corporate strategic initiatives at Ketchum and D.C. health practice lead at Weber Shandwick/Powell Tate. In these roles, she spearheaded global campaigns and programs in health, education, food, defense, tech, and other industries. Her broad health care experience includes leading corporate and public affairs work across health systems, biopharmaceutical companies, government agencies, payers, professional medical associations, and nonprofits. In addition, Michelle developed and led multiple coalitions and campaigns focused on today’s most pressing health challenges including addiction, mental health, heart disease, cancer, vaccinations, and emerging public health threats.

“I have had the chance to work with some of the leaders at FTP and seen firsthand how the team delivers for clients across many industries,” Baker said. “There is something special here and I am excited to lead this talented group at this crucial time of change. Professional, political, and personal interests increasingly intersect and sometimes conflict. It is important for clients to have bipartisan counsel that considers the full range of communications platforms available to make an impact.”

A long-term advocate for family caregiving and memory care, Michelle has been a board member of the Caregiver’s Action Network (CAN) for 10 years. She is also the chair of the Board of Trustees of Arts for the Aging (AFTA), focused on engaging older adults in multidisciplinary arts for health.

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

WASHINGTON – For the fourth consecutive year, Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) has been named a top 10 performing lobbying firm. In fact, FTP finished number 10 out of nearly 400 competitor firms, building on years of consecutive gains for our government relations practice.

“Last year, FTP celebrated 10 years in business. This recognition serves as further proof that our work in that decade has been both meaningful for our clients and charted new territory in our industry,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “This achievement would not be possible without the dedication and ingenuity of our bipartisan roster of professionals, which now spans federal and state government relations, public affairs, research and insights, and digital services. Our clients remain our number one priority, and this recognition will help us to continue attracting top talent, executing effective and creative campaigns, and delivering wins that matter for them.”

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm, today announced it has promoted the single largest number of senior staff members in the firm’s 10-year history:

“This past year, Forbes Tate Partners was thrilled to expand the Forbes Tate family with our acquisition of Engage, a D.C.-based digital media agency, and to be recognized again as an elite agency and among the top lobbying firms in the country. We are proud of our entire team and are thrilled to highlight those on our team who are driving our business forward,” said Jeff Forbes, FTP Founding Partner. “These experts consistently demonstrate their expertise and tireless dedication for our clients and our firm. We are excited for their careers here and the future of FTP.”

Kelley Williams has been promoted to be a partner on the government relations team. Kelley specializes in financial services, insurance, and banking issues. She also lobbies on transportation, telecom, fintech, and energy issues for the firm’s clients.

Kristina Dunklin has been promoted to be a partner on the government relations team. Kristina specializes in healthcare, energy, and agriculture policy. She also has extensive experience in the appropriations process, helping the firm’s clients across multiple sectors.

Clare Flannery has been promoted to be a senior vice president on the public affairs team. Clare specializes in coalition building and management, integrated public affairs campaigns, and reputation risk management. She has also served as a campaign manager, strategic communications adviser and spokesperson for coalitions, campaigns, executives, and politicians on the local, state, and national stages.

Meg Baglien has been promoted to be a senior vice president on the public affairs team. Meg manages a diverse portfolio of clients across industries, including health care and technology. She specializes in strategic communications, brand reputation management, advocacy campaign development, and leading coalition efforts.

Chanse Jones has been promoted to be a vice president on the public affairs team. Chanse is a veteran of Capitol Hill and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is well-versed in media relations. He brings an invaluable network and years of experience spearheading national advocacy campaigns and political endorsement events.

Will May has been promoted to be a vice president on the public affairs team. Will specializes in financial services, transportation, and health care, and brings extensive experience in strategic communications, grasstops advocacy, and business development to the firm.

Colin Finnegan has been promoted to be a vice president on the public affairs team. Colin specializes in energy and environmental issues. He draws on years of coalition management, grassroots mobilization, and strategic communications to execute some of the firm’s most successful client projects.

Also promoted were Elizabeth Gonzalez (Senior Vice President, Operations), Emily Schell (Vice President, Operations), Chris Memenza (Vice President, Operations), Elizabeth Kapolka (Director, Public Affairs), Natalie Bauman (Director, Public Affairs), Gwen Fuller (Senior Analyst, Public Affairs), Eliza Green (Senior Analyst, Public Affairs), Kelsey Chan (Senior Analyst, Public Affairs), and Adam Kawut (Senior Analyst, Public Affairs).

In December 2021, FTP went public on the London Stock Exchange AIM (PPHC.L) as part of the Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC). It was once again recognized as one of Bloomberg Government’s top performing lobbying firms. Most recently, FTP was named a PRNEWS Top Elite 100 agency for 2023, a prestigious honor recognizing the firm as one of the leading public relations practices in the country.

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) today announced the addition of Samantha Leahy to the Government Relations team as Senior Vice President. Sam brings with her a tremendous amount of expertise in national security, foreign policy, and defense matters to one of Washington’s top performing firms.

Prior to joining FTP, Samantha led national security and foreign relations policy initiatives in the U.S. Senate as the Senior Legislative Assistant for Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). She was responsible for crafting the Senator’s national security platform, addressing matters across the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Armed Services, Banking, Commerce, Science and Transportation, Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and Judiciary. Sam has also managed the National Defense Authorization Act process, securing dozens of initiatives each fiscal year. Additionally, she served as the Personal Representative of the Member (PRM) on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where she advanced measures relating to democracy, human rights, and sanctions.

“We are thrilled to add seasoned Capitol Hill veterans like Sam to our team,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “She has demonstrated mastery of the legislative and political process throughout her career. That experience will be put to work on Day One for our clients as we work collaboratively to advance their policy goals and objectives.”

“Samantha Leahy has been a major component of my Senate office from Day One and has been continuously promoted from a young administrative assistant to a senior policy advisor on national security issues involving the Armed Services, Commerce, Foreign Relations and Judiciary Committees,” said U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. “She has a well-deserved reputation for being able to get things done – even across the aisle – in the Senate and was a driving force behind legislative successes such as securing Purple Hearts for victims of the 2009 Fort Hood terrorist attack, placing restrictions on UN Ambassadors who have engaged in terrorism, and imposing conditions on international financial institutions to curtail funding of corrupt, anti-democratic regimes. She will be missed, but she is not going far. I look forward to continuing to benefit from her advice and counsel. Congratulations to Forbes Tate on this terrific hire.”

“Samantha Leahy brings a decade of senior Capitol Hill experience to Forbes Tate. She is deeply familiar with the legislative process and in this time of divided government will be an invaluable source of insight and strategy,” said Victoria Coates, former Deputy National Security Advisor. “Samantha is also highly respected in both national security and diplomatic circles in Washington, all of whom will take note of this important appointment.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the accomplished team at FTP. I’m looking forward to leveraging my national security and foreign relations experience to support the firm and bring about meaningful results for our clients,” said Samantha Leahy. “FTP has emerged as a leader in Washington, and I am eager to utilize my background to support the firm as it continues to grow.”

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

Forbes Tate Partners’ work with Molina Healthcare, telling the company’s story regarding the work it did to address COVID-19 and the charitable partnerships it has built through its MolinaCares Accord, was recently recognized as a finalist at Ragan’s 2022 PR Daily Awards in four categories, receiving honorable mentions in the following:

General Campaigns: Covid-19 Communications Campaign
General Campaigns: Video Campaign
Health Care PR and Marketing: Covid-19 Communications
Health Care PR and Marketing: Video

FTP and the MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, teamed up with football Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice, to launch a television and digital advertising campaign to help encourage Mississippians to get vaccinated.

Watch the Jerry Rice Vaccine PSA here.

FTP was also honored to help tell the story of Andrew’s fight with COVID-19 in “Andrew’s Journey”:

Due to complications from COVID-19, Molina member Andrew was in desperate need of a double lung transplant. See how Molina Healthcare of Texas and Houston Methodist Hospital teamed up to provide the critical care required for Andrew to recover from the disease and get his life back.

Watch Andrew’s Journey here.

Bipartisan Public Affairs Firm Formalizes Partnership with Leading Digital Advocacy Specialists

WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm, today announced its acquisition of Engage, a D.C.-based digital media agency. The acquisition will cement the two firms’ long-standing partnership and enable the newly expanded FTP to advance its clients’ goals in even more seamless and productive ways in the face of an ever-changing advocacy market.

“Forbes Tate Partners just celebrated a decade in business,” said Jeff Forbes, FTP Founding Partner. “Today’s announcement marks the next step in our firm’s evolution as we continue to deliver a competitive edge for our clients. Having successfully partnered with Engage on many projects in the past, we are confident they are a perfect fit for our firm’s culture. We are delighted to formally welcome them to the Forbes Tate family and to add their considerable ability and expertise to our team.”

Added FTP Founding Partner Dan Tate, “The formalization of our partnership allows FTP a unique opportunity to add top-notch talent, expand our footprint, and, ultimately, be that much more effective on behalf of our combined group of clients, spanning the nation’s largest industries, from health care, energy, and financial services to emerging technologies, telecommunications, and manufacturing.”

“Digital public affairs is hardly new, but Forbes Tate’s commitment to investing in innovation clearly sets them apart,” said Engage Managing Partner Nick Schaper. “Engage has established best-in-class capabilities that blend winning creative and technology with decades of experience at the highest levels of public policy to achieve effective, measurable results.”

Engage Managing Partner Erik Rapprich said, “We look forward to formally joining forces with our colleagues at Forbes Tate to begin this new chapter in our shared history and unlock the value of the significant opportunity ahead.”

Engage, a full-service digital agency providing technology, design and creative, advocacy, and advertising services, was founded in 2007 and employs 19 professionals who have partnered with Fortune 500 companies, leading advocacy organizations, and the largest trade associations in the United States.

Last December, FTP went public on the London Stock Exchange AIM (PPHC.L) as part of the Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC). It was once again recognized as one of Bloomberg Government’s top performing lobbying firms for 2021. Most recently, FTP was named a PRNEWS Top Elite 100 agency for 2023, a prestigious honor recognizing the firm as one of the leading public relations practices in the country.

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

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